Siphon Apparatus Inner Funnel Mesh Stabilizes Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siphon apparatuses for water softeners often result in splashing and backflow of waste fluid, contaminating the soft water and reducing the efficiency of the water softening process.
Innovation Solution
A siphon apparatus with an inner funnel featuring a meshed member, such as a pattern of radially extending trapezoids, is used to stabilize and direct the flow of fluid, eliminating splashing and backflow by incorporating an air gap and ensuring a sealed connection through the use of an O-ring seal and modular construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional siphon is used for waste removal, then waste fluid can be discharged from the water softener, but splashing and backflow occur contaminating the soft water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary air gap between the siphon outlet and the soft water storage area. This air gap acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between waste fluid and soft water, thereby eliminating the contamination risk while allowing waste discharge to continue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful backflow and splashing elements by designing a siphon system where waste fluid is separated from the soft water pathway. The siphon outlet is positioned and configured to discharge waste away from the soft water storage area, removing the contamination source from the system
2Productivity
If the siphon is connected directly to the water softener outlet, then waste removal is efficient, but backflow can occur from the sewer through the siphon
Solution Approach 1:
The air gap serves as an intermediary barrier that maintains one-way flow. It allows waste to be efficiently discharged through the siphon while preventing any reverse flow from the sewer, as the air gap breaks the siphon effect that would otherwise allow backflow
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary anti-action by positioning the siphon outlet and air gap to preemptively prevent backflow before it can occur. The air gap is strategically placed to counteract any potential siphon-driven reverse flow from the sewer connection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents contamination of soft water, ensuring its safety and improving the flow efficiency by reducing splashing and backflow, thus maintaining the quality of water produced by the water softening appliance.
Implementation Method 1
an inner funnel comprising a meshed member according to an embodiment of the present invention reduces or eliminates splashing and backflow of fluid being removed from the device
Implementation Method 2
A siphon is generally used in order to remove the waste product from the water softener
Implementation Method 3
The siphon is typically connected to the water softener with an air break in order to discharge waste fluid away from the water softener
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A siphon apparatus (14) is operable to be connected to a water softener device (10). The siphon apparatus (14) comprises a body (18) defined by one or more walls , wherein the walls define a through bore through the body (18). At least one window defines an aperture (52) through the one or more walls. A closure member (32) is provided at one end of the body (18). The closure member (32) comprises one or more ports (38), which are in fluid communication with the hollow body (18). Each port (38) is provided through the closure member (32). An inner funnel (42) extends from the closure member (32) and at least partially into the hollow body (18), wherein the inner funnel (42) is in fluid communication with the one or more ports (32). A meshed member (46) is provided within the inner funnel (42). In use, the meshed member (46) is operable to channel and stabilize fluid entering the inner funnel (42) from the one or more ports (32).